Golfers flocking back to South Ayrshire Council’s golf courses
The council say the move is because of a ten year plan
Golfers have already played over 7500 more rounds on South Ayrshire’s municipal courses than the whole of the previous year as a result of its golf masterplan, according to the council.
South Ayrshire Council operates eight courses, with a total of 5000 members.
A report to the final full council meeting of 2023 stated that overtaking the 165,000 rounds played by season ticket holders in 2022/23, four months before the end of the financial year, was a result of ‘the quality and level of provision available’ as a result of its ten year strategy.
Earlier this year, the council approved an allocation of more than £5m for golf course infrastructure over a three-year period.
The majority of this work will involve the redevelopment of the Darley course in Troon and Belleisle in Ayr, with a view to addressing the playability of the courses alongside the condition.
The council expects work to begin towards the end of 2024.
Golfers have already played over 7500 more rounds in South Ayrshire than previous years
A new fleet of hybrid vehicles for grounds maintenance have also been purchased while work is ongoing to provide staff and storage facilities at Troon.
Labour Councillor Duncan Townson raised an issue regarding the coffee shop at Belleisle, which has been refurbished.
He asked officers to look at the closing times, pointing out that it missed out on custom because it closed early.
Ali Mutch, of Destination South Ayrshire, said that there would be a full service review that would look at the issue, which had also been raised by customers.
Councillor Bob Pollock was keen to ensure communities were fully aware of the work being carried out.
He said: “I know our golf section actively engage with the courses we are doing work on. However, that doesn’t necessarily translate to information going out into the wider community.
“We are doing a tremendous amount of good work, but we’ve had numerous issues.”
Environmental concerns
He pointed towards complaints that the council was ‘vandalising the environment’ by removing gorse when they were actually removing dead gorse that was a fire risk.
SNP Councillor Laura Brennan-Whitefield asked for some details around the strategy’s aim of increasing access for all, particularly those on low incomes.
Mr Mutch said that the council still operated a golf subsidy scheme and was also working with courses and golf pros to ensure they are ‘making sure there is much more accessibility and options for people to access golf’.
“It is a challenge but is something we are trying to address”, he added.
"Accessible and playable for all"
Independent Councillor Hugh Hunter said he was concerned about the remodelling of courses to fit modern playing trends and ‘somebody else telling you what’s good for you’.
Mr Mutch explained that the golf architects had been brought in to assess the courses, looking at playability and potential health and safety issues.
He added: “It is also about trying to make sure the course is still presenting a challenge while remaining accessible and playable for all.
Independent Councillor Brian Connolly, who is the sport and leisure spokesperson for the administration, said he agreed with all of the points raised during the meeting.
“We are always looking to improve facilities, We are always looking to develop some sort of pathway for golfers at our facilities.
“That has always been our aim. We should really be proud of our courses and clubhouses. They are fantastic facilities and we are the custodians.”